Johnson was born and raised in the Englewood area of Chicago. He is the fourth-born child of 12. Despite a rough childhood, Johnson became the first in his family to attend college and graduate.
High school career
Johnson played high school basketball at Hubbard High School where he was a four-year starter. As a junior he averaged 21 points and nine assists per game, although the team finished with an 11–14 record. The following year, however, Johnson led Hubbard to a 21–9 record while winning the regional championship. He achieved all-city honors after averaging 14 points and nine assists per game. Johnson was also rated as one of the top 25 players in the state of Illinois according to Rivals.com.
College career
Johnson played college ball for University of Alabama at Birmingham. During the 2009–10 season he was named to the third team all Conference USA and first team all defense. Johnson's best season was his senior year, where he averaged 11.8 points and an NCAA-leading 7.7 assists per game. He led UAB to a 22–9 overall record as they won their first outright C-USA regular season title. Johnson also became the first player in UAB history to earn Conference USA Player of the Year honors and an All-American honorable mention. He also was named to the first team all-conference, first team all-defense, and District 11Second Team. Johnson's best game came in a triple overtime win against the conference favorite UTEP. He ended the game with 26 points on 9-17 shooting, 14 assists, seven rebounds and 1 steal in 54 minutes of playing time. He also tallied a career best 39 points, four assists and four rebounds in a conference playoff loss to East Carolina. During his last game as a college player, Johnson fractured his fibula. He finished his career at UAB as its all-time leader in assists for a career, single season, double-figures in a game, single season average and single game. Johnson also finished second in Conference USA history in career assists.
College statistics
Professional career
Following the close of his collegiate career, Johnson signed with Ostuni Basket of Italy's second division. In his first professional year Johnson averaged 15.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.5 assist, 3.7 turnovers, and 1.5 steals while shooting 55% from 2 point field goal range and 33% from 3 along the way to being named to the Legadue SuisseGas All-Star Game. Johnson increased his scoring average in the playoffs to 22.3, which was good for 2nd in the league. On July 19, 2012, Johnson signed with Vanoli Cremona in Italy's A-1 league. In November 2013, he was acquired by the Bakersfield Jam. On January 23, 2014, he was waived by the Jam. For the 2014–15 season Johnson signed with the Finnish team Nilan Bisons Loimaa. On September 15, 2015, Johnson signed with Romanian team SCM CSU Craiova. On July 17, 2016, Johnson signed with Polish team Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski.
